Race History

In depth

Verdict

Karabak won a Grade 2 at Cheltenham at this time last year and has continued to perform at the highest level. He wasn't too far behind Voler La Vedette over this trip at Navan last month but was tailed off over 3m behind that winner at Leopardstown on Wednesday. Western Leader looked a very nice prospect when runner-up to Wayward Prince in the Grade 1 Sefton Novices' Hurdle at Aintree last year and, though not seen since, his trainer is very adept at bringing one back from a long break. Benash has steadily improved and finished in front of two much better-fancied rivals when runner-up to the long odds-on Zaidpour at Navan. He had earlier finished six lengths behind MIKAEL D'HAGUENET over the minimum trip at Fairyhouse and is 8lb better off but the winner scored with something in hand and can continue his rehabilitation after a disastrous spell over fences by taking this.

Formwatch

Mikael D'haguenet (FR) Evensfav (11-2) Made most, travelling well 2 out, headed at last and dropped 1L off leader early run-in, quickened smartly to regain lead inside final furlong, stayed on strongly, cheekily, won at Fairyhouse 2m hdl sft beating Head Of The Posse (11-2) by 1 1/2l, 8 ran.